Tony Schiffmann

Executive Summary

Tony is currently the Global Chair of BDO, an international network of public accounting, tax and advisory firms providing services in more than 165 countries, with over 119,000 people working from more than 1,750 offices worldwide.

He has been a member of the Global Board for more than a decade, providing valuable insights from the APAC region to help guide the global firm’s strategic agenda and focus on quality.

Tony is active on issues relevant to the profession and public interest, both in Australia and globally, and empowers his fellow leaders to have a strong voice in the market.

Until 2025, Tony was Chief Executive Partner of BDO in Australia. He led a team of more than 300 partners across audit, tax, and advisory, championing BDO’s strong track record of driving excellence in both client and people experience and sustainable growth.

Tony is dedicated to ensuring BDO retains its culture and common goal of delivering exceptional client service and being an employer of choice.

Prior to his role as Chief Executive Partner, Tony was the Office Managing Partner of BDO’s Brisbane Office for 20 years. Admitted as a partner in 1987, he has more than 30 years’ experience advising a broad range of businesses on their growth strategies.

Leveraging his extensive experience in professional services and tenure with the firm, Tony also holds several board positions with prominent Australian organisations.

Experience

Career overview

• BDO Global Board member - 2013 to current
  Tony’s appointment to Global Chair of BDO highlights his seniority within the international network and the importance of the Australian practice to the BDO brand’s future. He plays a key role in setting strategic priorities for the international network, ensuring strong governance, and maintaining the organisation’s commitment to high quality service, driven by innovation.
• BDO Chief Executive Partner - 2020 to 2025
  As lead Partner for BDO’s national integration plans, Tony was appointed Chief Executive Partner in August 2020. Working collaboratively with the leadership group in Australia, Tony set the firm’s strategic agenda, drove the adoption of innovative practices, and positioned the firm for future growth.
• Partner - 1987 to current
  During his time in practice, Tony has advised many prominent groups with significant investments in Australia, particularly in the agribusiness sector. He served as resident director on many overseas companies and was a longstanding trusted adviser to many groups, providing non-resident investors with additional levels of assurance around their Australian investments. Many of these relationships continue to this day.
• Managing Partner, BDO in Brisbane - 1999 to 2020
  Tony was appointed Managing Partner of the Brisbane firm in 1999. During his 20 years in the position, he guided the firm on a path of significant growth, including several new service lines.
• BDO Australia National Board - 2000 to 2013
  While on BDO’s national board, Tony played a key role in significantly improving and strengthening the Australian network’s financial position. The organisation’s current size and revenue illustrate its competitiveness and position as a recognised challenger brand in the professional services market.
• BDO Australia National Chairman - 2009 to 2013
  As National Chairman, Tony was instrumental in expanding the BDO network’s reach in the Australian market. Under his leadership, the network merged with Horwath in 2002, and PKF in 2012.
• Asia Pacific Board BDO International - 2007 to 2013
  As a Board Member on the Asia Pacific Board BDO International, Tony influenced BDO’s global strategic practices in the region. He worked closely with the BDO Global leadership team to ensure seamless service delivery to BDO’s global client base.

External board positions:

• Deputy Chair, Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry - 2019 to current
  The Australian Chamber is the country’s largest and most representative business network, with members comprising state and territory chambers of commerce, national industry associations, and a council of business leaders from individual enterprises. With a passion for supporting Australian businesses to remain competitive and achieve long-term success, Tony was appointed Deputy Chair in December 2025. As the first Queenslander to hold this position, he helps guide the Australian Chamber’s advocacy on behalf of its members and champion change in the industry’s best interests.
• Chair, Business Chamber Queensland (formerly CCIQ) - 2016 to current
  Business Chamber Queensland's goal is to take care of the bigger picture for Queensland businesses by creating an environment in which they can thrive. As Chair (appointed in 2019), Tony is instrumental in helping drive the organisation's advocacy for reducing the administrative burden on businesses and improving their operational efficiency.

Qualifications and affiliations

• Bachelor of Business
• Registered Tax Agent
• Managing Professional Services Firms, Harvard Business School
• Member, Australian Institute of Company Directors
• Fellow, CA ANZ